How to Fix Heat Loss and Air Leaks in Your Home?

November 24, 2015

Loss of interior heat from your home during cold weather forces your heating system to work harder to compensate for the heat loss, which results in higher energy bills. We've compiled some tips to help you remedy this situation in your home.

Add Insulation

The first place you should inspect is your attic because heated air rises and tends to first escape through the attic. Add a layer of insulation on your attic floor to trap interior heat. Install the insulating material across and between the attic floor joists. Ensure there are no open spaces between them.

Your home's heat can also escape through the walls. If your walls already have cavity insulation, consider upgrading the insulating material to one with a higher R-value. If the walls don't have large insulation cavities, you can add spray foam because it conforms to any shape.

Seal Windows and Doors

Windows and doors can allow cool air to seep through them and heat to escape. Replace single-pane windows with double- or triple-paned windows. A more cost-effective solution is installing low-cost, heavy-duty plastic sheets over your windows. Seal any air leaks around your windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping. Install door sweeps to seal gaps under your doors.

Seal Fireplace Air Leaks

An open fireplace allows air to move up and down the chimney. Consider using an inflatable chimney balloon to seal your flue when not in use. You can also make your own seal by filling a trash bag with fiberglass batt scraps. Attach a rope to the bag to act as a visual reminder that the flue is still blocked and to help you easily remove the plug.

Seal Miscellaneous Leaks

Seal electrical outlets by installing foam gaskets around them. Install high-temperature caulk around ceiling fixtures. Use expanding foam or general-purpose caulk to seal attic and basement holes that accommodate ducts, pipes and vents.

Take these heat loss reduction steps to add more years to your HVAC system and save money. For more tips on fixing heat loss, contact Lozier Heating & Cooling. We serve the Des Moines area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: "iQoncept/Shutterstock"